Stovetop espresso makers, aka moka pots, bialettis, percolators and italian coffee makers, have been keeping old-school coffee lovers happysince the 1930’s – yes, they’ve actually been around for that long. They can produce thicker, stronger coffee with a solid crema. Although they can handle any type of roast, they're especially suited for dark roasts, hence their nickname: the Dark Roast King (okay, we may have just made that up).

So what are the best moka pots? And how do you find the best stovetop espresso makerfor your personal use? Well, you’ll have to actually try the machine first.

Moka pots differ greatly in quality, and you need a high-quality moka pot and the right technique if you want them to consistently create a great cup of coffee. Luckily, we’ve done the hard yards for you and put together the best of the best when it comes to stovetop espresso makers. You're welcome.

TOP PICK: Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker

This stovetop coffee maker garnered plenty of good remarks from happy customers, and it's no wonder why. Made in Italy, this high-quality 'moka express' comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose according to preference. It also makes coffee fast without sacrificing quality or style.

Buying Criteria: How To Choose The Best Moka Pot

You should already know that a moka pot won't brew espresso like an espresso machine will, but they still make a damn fine, strong cup of Joe (1). If you want to get it right the first time, consider the following points when choosing a stovetop espresso maker:

Where Is It Made?

While some claim that the highest quality percolators are made in Italy – which is no wonder, they are often simply called Italian espresso pots or 'Bialetti's' – we don't find this necessarily to be the case.

On average, it's fair to say that whenever it says 'Made in Italy' you can be rest assured the quality will be great, while China is more of a mixed bag. To boot, having an authentic Italian stovetop espresso maker does add to the charm a bit, doesn't it?

How Many Cups Can It Make?

For the solo coffee connoisseurs among us, the brew-a-cup-at-a-time moka pots are the perfect fit. But, if you plan to share a cup with your partner or friend, choose one that can make more than 1 brew per use – there is nothing more annoying than having to repeat the process multiple times for multiple coffees.

Will It Work With Your Stovetop?

Remember that not all moka pots will work with an electric stove. Be sure to check whether the one you’re considering is electric or induction stovetop friendly. We've found that glass-topped electric stoves typically work beautifully, and very quickly, with moka pots.

Aluminum vs Stainless Steel (vs toxicity)

The traditional moka pot is made from aluminum - the material is light, cheap and great at conducting heat or, to keep it real for us caffeine fiends, brewing coffee. But, you'll find that many manufacturers now include percolators made from stainless steel. And for good reason. A stainless steel moka pot looks much sexier in your kitchen plus the material racks up some major advantages when compared to aluminum (2).

"Stainless steel coffeemakers are easier to maintain, do not corrode like aluminum and pose no known health risks." - Ginger Yapp

Although aluminum is highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion, stainless steel is completely non-corrosive and non-porous making it considerably more durable (3). Yes, it's a bit more pricey than its contestant but it'll give you less headaches over cleaning-drying regimes to prevent it from rusting and has the potential to brew your coffee for decades to come.

Customer Reviews

There is nothing more reassuring than seeing thousands of happy customer reviews online. Spend 2 minutes reading the reviews and if you like what you see, go for it.

The Best Stovetop Espresso Makers

Based on customer reviews and our own experience with the cowboy method we’ve researched the best moka espresso makers on the market. The table summarizes features, and below you’ll find more detailed reviews of each pot:

Bialetti is the number one player in the stovetop espresso maker market, which is not a surprise once you see the thousands of happy customer reviews on their moka pots. The octagonal shape of the coffee maker allows the heat to distribute perfectly while your coffee brews, resulting in the perfect espresso in under 5 minutes (4).

Once you’re done, clean-up is easy thanks to the compartment design; just unscrew it, wash it, and get on with your day. The Italian made ‘moka express’ range is so popular that they made it available in 1, 3, 6 and 9 cup options – so choose the right size for your preference and you’ll start your day with the perfect amount of coffee. Read our full review of this coffee maker here.

PROS

Available in 1, 3, 6 and 9 cup sizes

Italian-made

Trusted and long-standing favorite

Makes coffee fast

CONS

Not ideal for electric stoves (but will still work)

Made from aluminum, so slightly less sexy to some

Not dishwasher safe (but then, why would you do that?)

I personally only use this moka pot nowadays - I've been through other models and the consistency you get is unbeatable.

The Bialetti Venus features soft lines and a harmonious design that give it just as the name suggests an elegant look. It’s a beauty to the eye. It also produces great tasting coffee. Its stainless steel construction means it's suited for induction cooktops. The handle is insulated to resist high temperatures, hence you can use the unit without having to worry about burning yourself when pouring. However, if you're using this over a campfire, be careful not to have the handle directly over the flame.

This stovetop coffee maker is portable and can be taken when on a trip without any forms of inconveniences. You can even go on camping trips and still enjoy the best espresso.

PROS

Portable

The design is compact and stylish

Durable

The quality is outstanding and makes excellent coffee

CONS

Not dishwasher safe (but then again, do you really need that?)

BEST SUITED FOR: The unit can only make 6 cups of coffee which makes it perfect for a small sized family or for 'sippin' stovetops' with your best friends.

You can use the Cuisinox Roma espresso coffeemaker to make up to 10 cups of high-quality espresso in one go, which means no need to go through the annoying process of refilling when you have guests over. The Cuisinox Roma boasts a more elegant, refined design. It's hand-crafted, which adds to the appeal. But the fact that this is done in the P.R.O.C. (China) and not in Italy, takes away that appeal.

Performance wise, the Roma lives up to the high set standards in the industry featuring a number of awesome features including a heavy gauge 18/10 stainless construction with an induction base that makes it safe to use on all cooking surfaces.

PROS

Beautiful to look at and practical to work with

Usable on all cooking surfaces

The screen filter allows you to reduce the number of coffee cups if you so wish

Comes with a spare gasket

CONS

The handle tends to heat up at times

Darn expensive compared to other espresso makers

BEST SUITED FOR: Ideal for groups of 4-10 people as it produces between 6 to 10 cups of great coffee. Overall it's a funky looking stainless steel stovetop espresso maker. However, that is reflected in the premium pricing.

This coffee percolator is built with the ability to produce up to 9 cups of freshly perked coffee, and even though the unit is non-electric, it still functions efficiently in a fast and decent manner. The design is a beauty to look at with the sparkling high-luster heavy gauge 18/8 stainless steel with a clear glass cover knob to observe brew strength. The basket and stem assembly is made out of high-quality solid metal. The Permawood wood grain handle which makes it easier to handle the stovetop even when hot.

PROS

The pretty wooden handle prevents burned fingers

Produces consistent coffee taste

Easy to clean

CONS

The lid tends to pop up

Spills are a common feature

BEST SUITED FOR: This coffee percolator can make up to 9 cups meaning that it works well with small to mid-sized groups. Choose this one if you are feeling the design, which is pretty damn nice.

Not sure a moka pot is compatible with your stovetop? The DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia has its own heating element. Plug it in anywhere and you can have three to six espresso shots in minutes. Automatic shutoff gives you peace of mind on busy mornings, and the EMK6 Alicia keeps your espresso hot for up to 30 minutes after brewing.

We love the transparent coffee carafe - there's something hypnotic and charming about watching a moka pot fill up with bubbling, crema-rich coffee while it's brewing.

Because you can detach the coffee pot from the base (like an electric kettle), you can bring the pot to the table and leave the base plugged in. The EMK6 Alicia automatically shuts off when you lift the pot from the base. And since it only weighs less than three pounds,this machine could make a great travel solution if you crave a moka in your motel.

The Bozeman's 18/8 stainless construction means it's nigh indestructible, making it a great solution for campers and outdoor cooks. The attractive wooden handle protects your hand when it's time to pour your freshly perked coffee, and of course there's a glass button at the top so you can see your coffee bubbling up from the bottom as it drips through the grinds.

As with the French press, percolator coffee tends to have a few grounds, especially as you near the bottom of the pot. But again, fans of percolators like the way it doesn't filter out the oils as it brews coffee.If the grounds bother you (they're not everyone's cup of tea - pardon the expression), 3.5" disc filters help solve that problem. Just slide one down into the brew basket before adding your coffee.

PROS

Durable stainless steel construction

Simple operation means reliability

Internal components dishwasher safe (wooden handle excluded)

CONS

As with all percolators, grounds will be present in your cup

Multiple-pass percolation method can lead to over-extraction

BEST SUITED FOR: Lovers of the rugged outdoors, or coffee fans feeling nostalgic for the days before drip coffee ruled the Earth.

THE VERDICT: which Moka Pot is best for you?

For us, it's the OG amongst the moka pots: the original Bialetti Moka Express. With the large range of cup sizes, it's suited for everyone. It's cheap, it's made to last, and you can't beat the consistency it delivers.

Congratulations, you’ve made it all the way to the end of this buying guide. Hopefully, this has helped you make the right call on deciding on the best stovetop espresso maker for your situation. Wondering what the difference is between a Moka Pot and a French Press? Read this.

FAQs

What kind of coffee do you use in a stovetop espresso maker?

You can use your favorite kind of coffee blend (beans) in a stovetop espresso maker. It’s recommended that you grind your coffee fresh at home and use a grind size slightly finer than you would for drip coffee and a little more coarse than that for an espresso machine. Don't use extracts, instant coffee or infusions in your stovetop maker. Here's a guide on the best coffee for moka pots.

Is stovetop espresso any good?

Stovetop espresso is good but not as good as a connoisseurs-like espresso. Though, the results don’t quite live up to the real deal, moka pots are a convenient home-brewing alternative producing a thick, strong, and delicious cup of coffee. It's easy to over or under extract your grounds using a stovetop maker but, you should know, practice makes close-to-perfect (espresso).

How do you make a latte with a stovetop espresso maker?

You make a latte with a stovetop espresso maker by adding frothed milk to your espresso like this. Brew the espresso using your stovetop coffee maker as you normally would. Then, top up your cup with the desired amount of frothed milk. If you don't have a milk frother at home you can use a simple pan and whisk.

How do you clean a stainless steel moka pot?

You can clean a stainless steel moka pot using one part white vinegar and two parts cold water. Pour the water and vinegar into the basin of the pot and turn it on. Brew a full pot and let the solution sit for 15 minutes. Then, empty the pot and rinse with cold water. Or, use a combination of baking soda and cold water for a simple clean (no brewing here!).

Alex

Alex is the Founder and Editor of Homegrounds.co. He is passionate about brewing amazing coffee at home, and teaching others to do the same.

About HomeGrounds

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